Trust Me—These 4 Shoe Styles Go With Anything

For many of us in the fashion industry, the start of 2019 felt like a real reset moment. We had long been more conscious of our shopping habits and trying to pull them in check to be more sustainable, but there's a stronger urge from many women I know to craft hard-working, long-lasting capsule wardrobes that aren't boring or uninspired, but just as exciting to play with as a closet full of new-in trend-smashing pieces.

A lot of legwork goes into reframing the entire way you shop and get dressed each day, and we're here to support if you're embarking upon a similar journey. With the team's combined extensive experience working in fashion (not to mention a rather impressive amount of time spent scrolling, editing and trying things on for your benefit), we're drilling down to the very core of what's required for a well-curated collection of clothes and accessories.

It seems like I buy shoes just as much as I breathe, so I'm trying to curb that habit a little by thinking about which styles can be the gift that keeps on giving rather than provide me with the excuse that "I don't have the right shoes to go with that outfit." You'll need to look after them and make best friends with your local cobbler, but do keep reading to uncover the four shoes that go with everything.

WHITE PUMPS

Once upon a time, this section would have been dedicated to nude or beige pumps. These days, white courts, slingbacks, mules and other closed-toe styles do the same magic trick of somehow working with every ensemble. They've shifted from trend to classic and look innocuous enough to seamlessly blend into casual looks (jeans + trench + tee), work outfits (tailored jacket + trousers) or fancier evening ensembles (pretty dress + bare legs). See the proof below…

Shop white pumps:

Related: The Only 3 Pairs of Shoes I'll Be Wearing This Spring

FLAT TAN SANDALS

Summer shoe trends come and go (think of how everyone used to be addicted to gladiator sandals), but there's one timeless breed that always looks elegant and grown-up: tan flats. Whether you opt for a chestnut-brown pair of slides or a strappier pair in a lighter hue, they are guaranteed to look chic and be subtle enough to pair with everything from a billowing gown to a simple trouser suit.

Shop flat tan sandals:

PLAIN WHITE TRAINERS

I'm not a trainer person, but even I can appreciate the fact that a pared-back, all-white kind of sneaker can work wonders with many an outfit. You already know trainers work with jeans, so I've sought out some alternative looks below to provide a bit of fresh inspiration…

Shop Plain White Sneakers

Related: I'd Never Buy Designer Sandals—5 High-Street Brands I Turn to Instead

BLACK STRAPPY HEELS

Black strappy heels have stood the test of time, looking as fresh in the '70s on a disco dancefloor as they do today on the feed of Instagram. Right now, you'll find that slightly daintier silhouettes are in, with straps and heels looking more spindly than they might have five years ago. But I believe any decent, well-made pair of black strappies can be pulled out from the back of a closet and confidently worn again today.

Shop Strappy Black Sandals